In the market for a laptop computer? Sometimes the answer to that question seems to be 'Who isn't?'

But before you go buying that discount laptop computer you've picked out, there's a few things you need to pay special attention to if you've previously only owned desktop computers. There's quote a few important details that are significant in regards to laptops that weren't so important when shopping for your desktop PC, so if you want to avoid buyer's remorse then listen up!

When you are shopping for a laptop, here are some of the things that you should consider:

Size and Weight

If you plan to carry the laptop with you often, it is important to consider the size and weight of the machine. Usually a discount notebook computer will be a bit smaller, lighter and easier to carry than other available models. The smaller the laptop, the smaller (and less costly) the tote bag that you can purchase for it.

Screen Size

While a 15.4' screen has been standard for awhile, many are now coming with larger HD screens to enhance watching DVDs. However, note that while the larger screens are quite nice, they have a significant impact on battery life and weight of the unit.

Consider Your Computing Needs

Even a slightly larger hard drive and a little more RAM in a laptop can add a significant cost to the unit so it pays to buy only what you need. RAM and hard drive size requirements will vary depending on use of the machine. If you'll be using your laptop for just email and word processing, you can get away with one of the discount notebook computers that are small, have less RAM, hard drive space, and a decent but not high-end CPU. Going up from there, we have the business class units designed for PowerPoint presentations, business graphics, video, etc. If you're wanting to use your laptop to engage your friends in any kind of online gaming using the recent games on the market however, you're going to need more horsepower! In these cases, consider either a high-end system designed for gaming from companies such as Alienware, or go with a 'white box' custom gaming laptop that is built specific to your needs.

Battery Life

If you plan to be on the road a lot without frequent access to an electrical outlet, be sure to purchase a laptop that has a battery life that meets your needs. Some newer units come with longer-lasting 12-cell batteries as opposed to the older 4 and 6-cell batteries. Of course, these are also more expensive.

Guarantee Criteria

In addition to cost and size, you must also consider warranties and expected longevity of the laptop. Make sure that you know the full conditions of the warranty. Usually, the standard warranty is limited in regard to the screen should you drop the laptop and the screen cracks. Also, most standard warranties are only 1 year warranties with you covering the shipping cost to the repair facility. Optional extended warranties are usually sold that cover screen protection as well as overnight pickup/return service to and from the repair facility. Though these are not cheap options, you will need to carefully evaluate whether it makes sense to acquire the extended warranty in your situation.

Hopefully these tips will steer you toward the laptop that's just right for you. Good luck and enjoy your new laptop!

Shop a wide selection of discount laptop computers at DiscoutComputerWorld.net. Whether you're an Apple or PC fan, you'll find all of them listed, including custom laptop computers for gaming and other resource-intensive applications. Be sure to check out our video section featuring discount notebook computer reviews, demos, and more!